I believe this is the kind of company that I need more, these days.
[ Quiet, rational, kind. Jiang Cheng has spent too many years around manipulation, danger, trouble, frustration - all things that have robbed him of joy and calm that might have made him a different man. This soft comfort is exactly what he needs now, growing older and settling into his place as leader.
Xichen taking to seclusion doesn't surprise Jiang Cheng, nor does it offend him. He can't be blamed, given all that happened, and he shakes his head, scoffing a little. ]
I should be thanking you. You've been incredibly kind.
I have? [ It's not fishing for compliments, he looks genuinely surprised while topping up Jiang Cheng's tea. ] If anything I am being selfish and fully intend to covet your attention while you are here.
[ Having a temper is no reason for anyone to shy away from Jiang Cheng, who is like a bear to Wei Wuxian's fox. Louder and scarier, perhaps, but still very brave and kind at heart from what Xichen has experienced. ]
[ Flattered thought he is, regardless. A silent moment lulls where, out of practice hosting others, he inwardly flails for an appropriate subject. There is nothing as interesting as the fluster worn by Jiang Cheng, however, or causing it. ]
I like very much your penchant toward honesty and admire how it comes to you so naturally. [ Xichen tips his head forward, lowering his gaze to give Jiang Cheng a break from it. ] I can do without kindness, but not truth.
[ This is likely one of the first times someone has told him that his brutal honesty is a good thing, and he shakes his head, trying not to frown too severely. ]
You would be the first, but I am glad you welcome it all the same.
[ It's likely better than lies and dancing around the truth, and well... ]
I trust you. [ He looks up, solemn around the edges of a soft smile. ] You would not be in Cloud Recesses if I did not.
[ Nie Huaisang has not, on a debatable technically, done anything wrong, but Xichen's skin crawls when around him and he won't permit that man anywhere near his beloved home. Depression may have made Xichen wilt at the edges but he is still fully capable of barring anyone he likes.
I appreciate that, and I understand the importance of my welcome.
[ The rest, though, but... Jiang Cheng frowns a little. The idea of trusting anyone strange to him isn't something he is comfortable with, and trusting for something as important as a marriage... Well.
He sighs. ]
I have faith in her ability to do her job, but I do not trust her, no.
Did you seek her out because you had no faith in your own judgement?
[ It is curious to him why Jiang Cheng would go to such an extreme and not simply have his pick of beautiful, clever women. Yunmeng is large, there are surely some of a manner to match his. ]
[ It's much easier to write a list of demands and hand then over than try and talk to women, he has found.
Because he can't talk to women, at all. He ends up getting embarrassed, or a little irritated, or his voice gets too loud, and it just makes things worse. ]
You are far too busy for those kinds of things. I appreciate the sentiment, but I will let the professional do her job. If someone can meet my expectations then it will be an easy process.
[ Now he's wondering how he would even go about meeting someone if they weren't introduced first. Wander around Gusu's inns? That sounds so soul-wearying. He would rather sit alone and play Clarity or mend books. He would rather pet the rabbits in the snow than take a chance on another unknown pretty face wreathed in sweet promises of a happy future. ]
I think, in general, and it would apply to a marriage too ... if you enjoy the presence of another person and the sound of their voice, you can never hear it too much. Each time they want to speak to you, it's because they like to hear what you have to say in return, so they don't think you are ever too talkative either.
[ Sentimental. ]
They would also quickly learn when words are not needed.
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[ Quiet, rational, kind. Jiang Cheng has spent too many years around manipulation, danger, trouble, frustration - all things that have robbed him of joy and calm that might have made him a different man. This soft comfort is exactly what he needs now, growing older and settling into his place as leader.
Xichen taking to seclusion doesn't surprise Jiang Cheng, nor does it offend him. He can't be blamed, given all that happened, and he shakes his head, scoffing a little. ]
I should be thanking you. You've been incredibly kind.
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[ Such a terrible person. ]
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[ He waves a hand - as if it is selfish, given the fact... ]
Few others here would want the company.
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[ Having a temper is no reason for anyone to shy away from Jiang Cheng, who is like a bear to Wei Wuxian's fox. Louder and scarier, perhaps, but still very brave and kind at heart from what Xichen has experienced. ]
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[ Xichen sees a much kinder side of him, Jiang Cheng can admit that, and it's rare that he has occasion to be soft outside of Yunmeng. ]
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Do I seem very fond of you?
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[ It feels a little embarrassing to even consider it, truthfully. ]
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I am fond of Jiang-zongzhu for his own merits, yes. Not entirely out of respect for his position.
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I'm glad to hear it, Lan-zongzhu. It means a great deal, from someone like you.
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Now you are being kind to me.
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The Jiang do not flatter, nor be overly kind.
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[ Flattered thought he is, regardless. A silent moment lulls where, out of practice hosting others, he inwardly flails for an appropriate subject. There is nothing as interesting as the fluster worn by Jiang Cheng, however, or causing it. ]
I like very much your penchant toward honesty and admire how it comes to you so naturally. [ Xichen tips his head forward, lowering his gaze to give Jiang Cheng a break from it. ] I can do without kindness, but not truth.
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You would be the first, but I am glad you welcome it all the same.
[ It's likely better than lies and dancing around the truth, and well... ]
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[ Nie Huaisang has not, on a debatable technically, done anything wrong, but Xichen's skin crawls when around him and he won't permit that man anywhere near his beloved home. Depression may have made Xichen wilt at the edges but he is still fully capable of barring anyone he likes.
He opts to try and lighten the mood. ]
Did you trust the matchmaker?
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[ The rest, though, but... Jiang Cheng frowns a little. The idea of trusting anyone strange to him isn't something he is comfortable with, and trusting for something as important as a marriage... Well.
He sighs. ]
I have faith in her ability to do her job, but I do not trust her, no.
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[ It is curious to him why Jiang Cheng would go to such an extreme and not simply have his pick of beautiful, clever women. Yunmeng is large, there are surely some of a manner to match his. ]
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[ He didn't want to look, and he didn't want a woman who was intimidated by him or who would treat his nephew poorly. ]
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Xichen Hmms after a moment, a laugh parting his lips like a breath. ]
I was going to offer assistance by way of introductions, but I don't know any young ladies.
[ ... It feels, oddly and with clarity, like he probably should.
Is this a new level of lame he is discovering about himself?]no subject
Because he can't talk to women, at all. He ends up getting embarrassed, or a little irritated, or his voice gets too loud, and it just makes things worse. ]
You are far too busy for those kinds of things. I appreciate the sentiment, but I will let the professional do her job. If someone can meet my expectations then it will be an easy process.
[ ... He is kind of lame too. ]
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What are your expectations?
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I would like someone naturally beautiful, hard-working, from a respected family, not too talkative… And they just treat Jin Ling well.
[ He’s edited it down to try and sound a little less demanding. ]
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[ It's all very reasonable. ]
Although ...
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Yes?
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[ Sentimental. ]
They would also quickly learn when words are not needed.
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[ You saw his parents, Lan Xichen. ]
Someone who would be happy to be my wife would be fine, better if she could tolerate my voice, and the same on the opposite.
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